I was born in Tottenham where a few days ago genuine anger at the police shooting of what appears to be an armed drug dealer burst from peaceful protest into riots and mayhem. This part of London, along with some of the other nearby areas affected by the more opportunistic rioting and looting that spread soon after, was the stomping ground of my family for generations.

A few children were hanging around the school gates when a coach load of foreigners pulled up outside the ruins next door and, without even being asked, handed out money and sweets. What nice people, the children thought and wondered if it would happen again?